The Toronto Maple Leafs have found a bit of a groove. Last night, they won a tight 4-3 decision against the Calgary Flames. Max Domi played the hero by scoring twice, his second being the game-winner. Anthony Stolarz held down the fort in the net by stopping 26 of the 29 shots he faced.
Despite a two-game winning streak, the Maple Leafs have more to prove. Trade speculation has begun already this season, with Nick Robertson‘s name appearing at the forefront of discussions.
However, a former Maple Leafs forward could be an enticing option for Toronto. However, a few insiders report they are on the outside looking in.
Nazem Kadri Reuniting With Maple Leafs Isn’t Right
NHL insider Darren Dreger made an appearance on TSN’s Insider Trading to discuss the future of forward Nazem Kadri. He linked the center to the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and the Maple Leafs.
“There is a lot of talk, a lot of speculation driven by the media,” Dreger reported on October 28. “And the reality is that it comes from a place where the Calgary Flames are playing well below expectations. There are other Canadian markets, namely, the Montreal Canadiens, the Vancouver Canucks, maybe the Toronto Maple Leafs, that could absolutely envision a number two experienced center like Nazem Kadri in their lineup.”
“There’s tons of interest, but the timing isn’t right yet.”
Kadri currently has eight points in 11 games while averaging 20:38 a night. After 11 games, the Flames own a 2-8-1 record and sit in last place in the Western Conference.
Montreal Canadiens Have Kadri on Their Radar
GettyThe Maple Leafs appear to be on the outside looking in when it comes to a star trade target
It’s no secret that the Canadiens could use a second-line center. Nick Suzuki is holding his own at the top of the lineup, but there is still a question mark at the 2C spot.
Another NHL Insider, Pierre LeBrun, revealed how the Canadiens organization views Kadri.
“My understanding is, they’ve gone through the entire league in their preparations internally,” LeBrun revealed on the October 28 episode of Overdrive 1050. “And (they) have a list of what centers could potentially pop up between now and next season, and ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. You name a name and it’s come up internally with the Montreal Canadiens.”
“And yes, Nazem Kadri is one of those names.”
The Canadiens could potentially be a great landing spot for the veteran center. Toronto’s rival sits atop the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference, with 16 points in 11 games.
Maple Leafs Can’t Compete With Canadiens
GettyThe Canadiens have hit the jackpot with this offseason trade.
The Canadiens have a younger lineup and could use Kadri’s experience to bolster their center depth. However, the Maple Leafs could also use the offensive firepower he could provide.
Where the Maple Leafs can’t compete with the Habs is in the assets needed to acquire the center.
Montreal has $4.5 million in salary cap space and nine draft selections in the 2026 NHL entry draft. In contrast, the Maple Leafs have $3.6 million in cap space and three draft picks in the upcoming draft.
Easton Cowan and Ben Danford are the top prospects in the Maple Leafs system. However, the Canadiens boast David Reinbacher, Owen Beck, Adam Engstrom, Jacob Fowler, and Michael Hage.
To bring a player like Kadri into the fold, the Maple Leafs will have to increase their offer. However, with stiff competition in the Habs, it’s not likely they will win this bidding war.
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